Common reactions of carers

The demands, difficulties and limitations of looking after someone with cancer are often stressful.

Physical symptoms of stress can include:

• trouble sleeping
• headaches
• tense muscles
• high blood pressure
• upset stomach
• changes in appetite
• heart palpitations
• feeling generally tired and unwell.

Emotional symptoms of stress may include:

• feeling overwhelmed or drained
• being irritable or moody
• feeling agitated
• having racing thoughts
• losing confidence in yourself.

It’s common for carers to say they feel continually out of control or under extreme pressure. If stress is ongoing, it could lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Guilt is one of the most common emotions that carers experience.

Some carers have said they feel guilty about:

• feeling angry and resentful
• taking a break from caring (or even just wanting to)
• being well, while the person they are caring for is sick
• not being able to make the person better (even though this is unrealistic)
• saying or doing the wrong thing at the wrong time
• having to care for someone they do not really like
• not doing a perfect job as a carer.

It is easy to become isolated or feel lonely as a carer. You may feel too busy or guilty to socialise or maintain contact with friends and family. People may visit you less often because they think you have too much to do or they don’t know what to say. Some people are uncomfortable being around someone who is ill. Maybe you did a lot with the person who has cancer and you miss this special time.

Even if you have many people to support you, you can still feel alone and isolated. You may feel that no-one quite understands what you are going through. This is a common reaction.

Research shows that depression is common among carers. The word depression is used to describe a range of emotional states, from feeling low to not being able to get out of bed. Feeling down or sad is common in difficult situations and usually lasts a short time without severely affecting your life. However, clinical depression is different and is more than a mood you can snap out of.

Some of the symptoms of clinical depression include:

• feeling sad or empty
• losing interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• experiencing a change in appetite or weight
• feeling tired all the time and/or having trouble concentrating
• having problems sleeping
• feeling restless, agitated, worthless or guilty
• relying on alcohol and sedatives to cope or sleep
• feeling that life isn’t worth living.

There are a number of ways to manage depression. Talk to your doctor about your options. Visit beyondblue for more information about depression and anxiety.

Many people associate loss and grief with dying. However, feelings of loss and grief can also happen after a diagnosis of cancer. It’s natural to miss activities you used to enjoy, such as work, regular exercise or socialising. You may also be dealing with financial changes and/or have lost the future you thought you would have.

As a carer, you may feel that your relationship with the person you are caring for has changed. If the person is your partner and the cancer has affected your sex life, you may miss the physical intimacy. Changes in roles and taking on new responsibilities can cause stress between you and the person you’re caring for.

The person may also be experiencing loss and grief, especially if they have lost independence or the ability to do things they used to do. This may cause them to be angry or irritable with you too.

It can take time to adjust to the changes and challenges you are facing. See How relationships can change to learn about some of these changes and how to manage them. For more strategies, read the booklet Emotions and Cancer – call Cancer Council for a free copy, download it from this page, or see Emotions and Cancer.

It may also help to talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, or you can speak to a health professional by calling Cancer Council 13 11 20.

While caring can be challenging at times, many carers say that it can also be a rewarding experience. Providing support for someone can bring a sense of satisfaction, achievement and personal growth.

Knowing that you are supporting someone during a time of need can help you feel good about yourself. Being there for them and helping even in small ways can strengthen your relationship and create lasting memories.

You may not always feel this sense of satisfaction when you’re caring for someone on a day-to-day basis. However, some people find that when their caring role ends, they are able to reflect on the positive and gratifying parts of their caring experience.